AMPLIFIER - A amplifier that obtains an output by power combining, comprising: a distribution circuit that distributes an input signal into two signals; a first amplifier circuit that amplifies one of the two signals distributed by the distribution circuit and operates in class AB mode; a second amplifier circuit that amplifies the other of the two signals distributed by the distribution circuit and operates in class B or C mode; a lumped constant circuit that connects outputs of the first and second amplifier circuits; a first impedance transformation circuit connected to an output of the first amplifier circuit; a second impedance transformation circuit connected to an output of the second amplifier circuit, and a quarter wavelength impedance transformation circuit with one end thereof connected to a combining point of output sides of the first and second impedance transformation circuits and with the other end thereof connected to a load (FIG.

PREDISTORTION OF AMPLIFIER INPUT SIGNALS - Described herein are devices, methods, and techniques related to predistortion of amplifier signals based on an operating condition. Predistortion techniques are described that mitigate or eliminate the effects of variable operating conditions, including nonlinear effects, on amplified signals. Nonlinearities may be mitigated by compensating at a baseband signal prior to amplification, generally using scaling and a static characteristic that is valid for a broad range of operating conditions.

2011-02-03

20110025415

Digital Modulated RF Power Amplifier with Impedance Compensation Circuit - A digital modulated power amplifier unit includes a differential radio frequency (RF) amplifier circuit having differential output nodes, a digital modulation signal input and complimentary clock signal inputs. The differential RF amplifier circuit includes a first pair of transistors operable to receive a digital modulation signal and a second pair of transistors operable to receive complimentary clock signals. The digital modulated power amplifier unit further includes an impedance compensation circuit connected between the differential output nodes of the differential RF amplifier circuit. The impedance compensation circuit includes a transistor connected in series between first and second RC circuits. The transistor is operable to electrically connect and disconnect the first RC circuit and the second RC circuit responsive to the digital modulation signal.

2011-02-03

20110025416

Differential amplifier - A differential amplifier including: 1st transistor that is connected between 1st power-supply terminal and 1st output terminal, and has a control terminal receiving one of the differential input signals; 2nd transistor that is connected between 2nd power-supply terminal and 1st output terminal, and has a control terminal receiving the other of the differential input signals; 1st switch that is connected between 1st power-supply terminal and 1st transistor; 3rd transistor that is connected between 2nd power-supply terminal and 2nd output terminal, and has a control terminal is input to one of the differential input signals; 4th transistor that is connected between 1st power-supply terminal and 2nd output terminal, and has a control terminal receiving the other of the differential input signals; 2nd switch that is connected between 2nd power-supply terminal and 3rd transistor. Drive state of 1st and 2nd switches are controlled by a control signal.

2011-02-03

20110025417

Signal Processing Circuit - A signal processing circuit includes a differential input circuit, a first DC filter, a second DC filter, a differential transconductance circuit, and a differential converting circuit. The differential input circuit includes first and second input circuits respectively for receiving first and second input signals to generate first and second processed signals. The first DC filter and the second DC filter, respectively coupled to the first and the second input circuits, receive the first and the second processed signals and output first and second voltage signals. The differential transconductance circuit includes first and second transconductance circuits, respectively coupled to the first and the second DC filters, for converting the first and the second voltage signals to first and second current signals. The differential converting circuit includes first and second converting circuits, respectively coupled to the first and the second transconductance circuits, for mixing the first and the second current signals with first and second clock signals to generate first and second output signals.

2011-02-03

20110025418

CURRENT TO VOLTAGE CONVERTER - A current to voltage converter which includes a common gate transconductance element having at least one input and one output. The current to voltage converter further includes a common source transconductance element having at least one input and one output, where the common source transconductance element is connected to the common gate transconductance element. The current to voltage converter further includes a feedback circuit including a resistor, where the feedback circuit connects any input having a polarity to any output having an opposite polarity.

2011-02-03

20110025419

DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIER WITH OFFSET VOLTAGE TRIMMING - A differential amplifier that has a current supply and a differential current to voltage converter with a positive current input node, a negative current input node and a voltage output node, has offset voltage trimming. The voltage output node provides an output voltage that is proportional to the difference in current values flowing into the positive current input node and a negative current input node. A trimming circuit has a plurality of trimming control inputs, an inverting trimming output, a non-inverting trimming output and trimming inputs coupled to the current supply. Trimming resistances couple the inverting trimming output to the non-inverting trimming output. Trimming selectors, controllable by a trim code provided to the trimming control inputs, provide for selectively connecting the current supply directly to the non-inverting trimming output while selectively connecting the current supply to the inverting trimming output through a first selected group of the trimming resistances. The differential amplifier also has a differential transistor pair formed by an inverting transistor that couples the inverting trimming output to the positive current input node and a non-inverting transistor that couples the non-inverting trimming output to the negative current input node.

2011-02-03

20110025420

METHOD OF CONTROLLING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD, SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A pre-amplifier (column region unit) of a solid-state imaging device including a pixel-signal controller. The pixel-signal controller, for each vertical signal line, detects the level of each pixel signal independently by a pixel-signal detector on the output side of a pixel-signal amplifier, and sets a gain independently to the pixel-signal amplifier according to the level of the signal. At a subsequent stage of the solid-state imaging device, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and a signal extending unit are provided. The A/D converter digitizes a pixel signal, and the digitized pixel signal is corrected by a gain set to the pixel-signal amplifier with reference to a classification signal from the pixel-signal detector, so that the dynamic range of signals of one screen is extended.

2011-02-03

20110025421

STEP VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - Disclosed is a step variable gain amplifier for linearly amplifying a signal received from an antenna. The step variable gain amplifier includes: an amplification unit for converting and amplifying a voltage component of a received signal into a current voltage according to a step amplification control signal; a controller for generating a step amplification control signal of the received signal and controlling on/off of the amplification unit according to the control signal; and an output unit connected to the amplification unit, the output unit outputting a voltage component from the signal that has been subjected to conversion into the current component and amplification processes.

2011-02-03

20110025422

POWER AMPLIFIER BIAS CURRENT MONITOR AND CONTROL MECHANISM - Techniques for monitoring and controlling bias current of amplifiers are described. In an exemplary design, an apparatus may include an amplifier and a bias circuit. The amplifier may include at least one transistor coupled to an inductor. The bias circuit may generate at least one bias voltage for the at least one transistor in the amplifier to obtain a target bias current for the amplifier. The bias circuit may generate the at least one bias voltage based on a voltage across the inductor in the amplifier, or a current through a current mirror formed with one of the at least one transistor in the amplifier, or a gate-to-source voltage of one of the at least one transistor in the amplifier, or a voltage in a replica circuit replicating the amplifier, or a current applied to the amplifier with a switched mode power supply disabled.

2011-02-03

20110025423

MILLIMETER-WAVE MONOLITHIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AMPLIFIER WITH OPPOSITE DIRECTION SIGNAL PATHS AND METHOD FOR AMPLIFYING MILLIMETER-WAVE SIGNALS - Embodiments of a high-frequency millimeter-wave amplifier are generally described herein. The high-frequency millimeter-wave amplifier may be constructed on a substrate to operate at a frequency of at least 75 GHz. In some embodiments, the millimeter-wave amplifier may include at least first, second, third and fourth amplifier stages coupled in series. A single drain bias bond pad provided on the substrate to provide a drain bias voltage to the drains of the first, second, third and fourth amplifier stages. Drain bias lines may be electrically coupled to the single drain bias bond pad and extend at least partially alongside and between some of the amplifier stages. A signal path through the second amplifier stage extends in a direction opposite of signal paths through the first and third amplifier stages. In some embodiments, a 95 GHz amplifier is provided and configured occupy an area on the substrate of no greater than approximately four square millimeters.

Atomic Frequency Clock Systems and Methods - One embodiment of the invention includes an atomic clock system including an alkali beam cell and an interrogation system configured to generate an optical pump beam and at least one optical probe beam that illuminate a detection chamber of the beam cell to pump evaporated alkali metal atoms. An optical detection system can provide a microwave signal to the detection chamber and can measure an intensity of the optical pump beam to determine a transition frequency corresponding to optimum photon absorption of the evaporated alkali metal atoms. A photodetection system can measure an intensity of the at least one optical probe beam and to generate an intensity signal that is provided to the optical detection system to substantially cancel Doppler broadening of the transition frequency resulting from non-orthogonal planar movement of the evaporated alkali metal atoms relative to the optical pump beam and the at least one optical probe beam.

2011-02-03

20110025426

FREQUENCY SELECTION AND AMPLIFYING DEVICE - A frequency selection device comprises an oscillator, which comprises a resonator mass which is connected by a spring arrangement to a substrate, and a piezoresistive element for controlling oscillation of the resonator mass, which comprises a piezoresistive element connected to the resonator mass. A current is driven through the piezoresistive element to control oscillation of the resonator mass. An input is provided for coupling a signal from which a desired frequency range is to be selected, to the resonator mass; and a detector is used for detecting a signal amplified by the oscillator.

2011-02-03

20110025427

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS COMPENSATED THROUGH MONITORING A STATUS OF GNSS RECEIVER AND RELATED METHOD THEREOF - In one exemplary implementation, an electronic apparatus includes: a reference clock source, for generating a reference clock; a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver for receiving satellites signals and the reference clock, comprising: a monitoring circuit, for monitoring a status of the GNSS receiver to generate a monitoring result; and a compensating circuit, coupled to the reference clock source and the monitoring circuit, for compensating the reference clock according to the monitoring result.

2011-02-03

20110025428

COUPLING CANCELLATION SCHEME - Methods and apparatus are disclosed, such as those involving an interconnection layout for an integrated circuit (IC). One such layout includes a plurality of differential pairs of lines. Each differential pair has two lines including one or more parallel portions extending substantially parallel to each other. Each pair also includes a shield line. Each of the shield lines includes one or more parallel portions interposed between the parallel portions of one of the pairs of differential lines. One or more of the shield lines are electrically connected to a voltage reference, such as ground. This layout is believed to reduce or eliminate intra-pair coupling as well as inter-pair coupling.

2011-02-03

20110025429

Circuit Board Pad Having Impedance Matched to a Transmission Line and Method for Providing Same - The present invention provides a transmission line portion for a circuit board including a conductive strip and a pad portion including a conductive pad connected to the conductive strip, wherein an impedance discontinuity or mismatch between the transmission line portion and the pad portion is reduced or controlled. Impedance discontinuity or mismatch may be controlled by controlling the dimensions of the pad portion, for example the pad width or distance between pad and ground. A ground pad associated with the pad portion may be provided on a different layer than a ground plane of the transmission line portion. The ground pad and ground plane may be connected by vias. The ground pad may comprise a patterned conductive region, the pattern configured so as to desirably configure impedance of the pad portion. Also provided are a method, circuit board layout, and the like, related to the above.

2011-02-03

20110025430

POWER SPLITTER - A power splitter and/or combiner is described. The power splitter may be provided as a broadband, passive, divide by N power splitter that may be advantageously employed in providing power to multiple electrodes within a plasma source. The power splitter comprises a transmission line and a plurality of N secondary windings arranged about the transmission lines.

2011-02-03

20110025431

CONFIGURABLE ANTENNA INTERFACE - Techniques for interfacing a set of active elements with an antenna array. In one exemplary embodiment, the active elements include a plurality of signal paths, each signal path including a mixer coupled to a local oscillator (LO) signal having an adjustable phase. When the active elements are to be interfaced with an unbalanced antenna, the phase of the LO signal for each signal path coupled to the unbalanced antenna may be adjusted independently of the other signal paths. When the active elements are to be interfaced with a balanced antenna, the phases of the LO signals for the two signal paths coupled to the balanced antenna are adjusted to differ by π radians from each other. The techniques may be applied in either receiver or transmitter applications to provide a flexible interface between an antenna array and an integrated circuit (IC) without the use of baluns.

2011-02-03

20110025432

Phase element for introducing a phase shift pattern into an electromagnetic wave - A thin electromagnetic phase shifting element, named phase and amplitude shifting surface (PASS), is disclosed. The PASS is capable of independently altering both the phase and the amplitude distribution of the electromagnetic fields propagating through the structure. The element comprises a few patterned metallic layers separated by dielectric layers. The patterns of the metallic layers are tuned to locally alter the phase and/or the amplitude of an incoming electromagnetic wave to a prescribed set of desired values for the outgoing electromagnetic wave. The PASS can be applied to design components such as gratings, lenses, holograms, and various types of antennas in the microwave, millimetre wave and sub-millimetre wave.

2011-02-03

20110025433

INLINE CROSS-COUPLED COAXIAL CAVITY FILTER - An inline microwave bandpass filter where cross coupling between non-adjacent resonators is realized by changing the orientation of selected resonators. The microwave bandpass filter includes a cavity and three or more resonators arranged in a row (or inline) in the cavity. At least one resonator has a different spatial orientation from at least one other resonator. For example, one or more of the resonators may be rotated 90 or 180 degrees with respect to one of the other resonators. This arrangement of resonators facilitates sequential coupling between pairs of adjacent resonators and cross coupling between at least one pair of non-adjacent resonators without the use of additional cross coupling structures such as dedicated coupling probes or extra cavities. One or more plates may be introduced between adjacent resonators to independently control the sequential and cross coupling.

2011-02-03

20110025434

SIGNAL TRANSMISSION APPARATUS - A signal transmission apparatus includes two circuit layers. First and second ground sheets each has a rectangular area are arranged in the two circuit layers respectively. A third ground sheet is arranged between the two circuit layers. A differential pair includes a transmission line arranged between the first and third ground sheets and a transmission line arranged between the second and third ground sheets. The first to third ground sheets have same electric potential. Projections of the two rectangular areas on a surface where the third ground sheet in only have one common border with the third ground sheet. The third ground sheet is formed by extending the common border along a signal transmission direction. The differential pair includes a number of section pairs each composed of two sections arranged in the two transmission lines symmetrically. Every two adjacent section pairs are equivalent to a capacitor and an inductor.

2011-02-03

20110025435

COMPACT RF ISOLATION NETWORK FOR MULTI-PIN PACKAGED INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - Pins on an RFIC package carry RF signals between the package and a PCB. A first capacitor is coupled between a selected pin of the RFIC package near the pins carrying the RF signals and a radio-frequency ground on the PCB. A coupling between the RFIC package and the PCB is modeled, and includes modeling of the pins of interest and at least one parasitic element of the coupling. A capacitance of the first capacitor is selected based on the modeling to obtain desired performance at selected operational frequencies. A second capacitor may be coupled between the selected pin a radio frequency ground of the RFIC package. An inductor may be coupled in parallel across the first capacitor.

2011-02-03

20110025436

System and Method for Reduced Area Tunable Capacitors - Embodiments of a capacitive tuning system implementing a tunable capacitive array are presented herein. The tunable capacitive array includes both scaled coarse capacitors and one or more fine capacitors. The one or more fine capacitors advantageously reduce a differential nonlinearity associated with the scaled coarse capacitors. The use of fine capacitors limits additional area requirements in an integrated circuit implementation, while improving the accuracy of the capacitive tuning system.

2011-02-03

20110025437

Portable Light System Having a Sealed Switch - An improved switch interface is provided that does not rely on direct contact by the user interface element to the switch apparatus. This feature enables the switch to be enclosed within a housing, thereby improving reliability and longevity of the switch mechanism.

2011-02-03

20110025438

SUPERCONDUCTING APPARATUS - A superconducting apparatus includes a superconducting member generating a magnetic field when an electric power is supplied to the superconducting member, a permeable yoke into which a magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the superconducting member permeates, and a conductive portion cooled to a low temperature state by a low temperature portion and cools the permeable yoke by thermally making contact therewith.

2011-02-03

20110025439

ACTUATING MAGNET - An actuating magnet is provided for a magnetic valve for a nonmagnetic pressure pipe, that is connected to at least one pole body, in which an armature is developed, and onto which at least two annular sleeves, having a ring lying between them, are slipped, in whose area a gap is situated that is developed between the armature and the pole body. Thereby, the actuating magnet may be developed in a simple manner by slipping annular sleeves and separating rings onto the pressure pipe.

2011-02-03

20110025440

R-T-B-TYPE SINTERED MAGNET AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - An R-T-B based sintered magnet according to the present invention has a composition including: 27.3 mass % to 29.5 mass % of R; 0.92 mass % to 1 mass % of B; 0.05 mass % to 0.3 mass % of Cu; 0.02 mass % to 0.5 mass % of M; and T as the balance, and has an oxygen content of 0.02 mass % to 0.2 mass %. The main phase of the sintered magnet is an R

2011-02-03

20110025441

INDUCTOR AND BASE THEREOF - An inductor includes a base and a winding assembly. The base includes an outer frame, a middle part and a connecting part. The outer frame has a first upper surface. The middle part has a second upper surface. The connecting part is connected with the outer frame and the middle part and has a third upper surface. The connecting part, the outer frame and the middle part collectively define a receptacle. The winding assembly is accommodated within the receptacle. The second upper surface of the middle part is disposed at a higher level with respect to the first upper surface of the outer frame. A first height is defined by the level difference between the second upper surface and the third upper surface. A second height of the winding assembly is smaller than the first height, so that a fourth upper surface of the winding assembly is disposed at a lower level with respect to the second upper surface after the winding assembly is accommodated within the receptacle.

2011-02-03

20110025442

COMMON MODE FILTER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A common mode filter comprises an insulating substrate, a lower coil leading layer, a coil main body multilayer, and an upper coil leading layer. The upper coil leading layer comprises at least one upper lead, at least one upper terminal, and at least one upper contact, and the lower coil leading layer comprises at least one lower lead, at least one lower terminal, and at least one lower contact. The two ends of the upper lead are respectively connected to the upper terminal and the upper contact, and the upper lead surrounds the upper contact. The two ends of the lower lead are respectively connected to the lower terminal and the lower contact, and the lower lead surrounds the lower contact. The upper coil leading layer and the lower coil leading layer sandwich the coil main body multi-layer, and the lower coil leading layer is disposed on the insulating substrate.

2011-02-03

20110025443

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WAFER LEVEL FABRICATION OF HIGH VALUE INDUCTORS ON SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - An apparatus and method for wafer level fabrication of high value inductors directly on top of semiconductor integrated circuits. The apparatus and method includes fabricating a semiconductor wafer including a plurality of dice, each of the dice including power circuitry and a switching node. Once the wafer is fabricated, then a plurality of inductors are fabricated directly onto the plurality of dice on the wafer respectively. Each inductor is fabricated by forming a plurality of magnetic core inductor members on an interconnect dielectric layer formed on the wafer. An insulating layer, and then inductor coils, are then formed over the plurality of magnetic core inductor members over each die. A plated magnetic layer is formed over the plurality of inductors respectively to raise the permeability and inductance of the structure.

2011-02-03

20110025444

MAGNETIC CORE FOR A COIL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MAGNETIC CORE - A reactor core, which has a pair of press surfaces (a-b planar surfaces) formed by compression molding with an edge part of each of the press surfaces being plastically formed by pressure treatment, is disposed in a direction in which a magnetic flux generated upon energization of a coil does not penetrate each of the press surfaces.

2011-02-03

20110025445

MAGNETIC ELEMENT MODULE - A magnetic element module includes a magnetic core assembly and at least one first winding structure. The magnetic core assembly includes a first magnetic core and a second magnetic core. The first magnetic core includes a first magnetic slab and a first magnetic post. The second magnetic core includes a second magnetic slab and a second magnetic post. The first winding structure is sheathed around the first magnetic post. The first magnetic post is placed on a second edge of the second magnetic slab. The second magnetic post is placed on a first edge of the first magnetic slab. The first magnetic core, the second magnetic core and the first winding structure are combined together, thereby producing the magnetic element module.

2011-02-03

20110025446

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EFFECTING INDUCTIVE COUPLING AMONG A PLURALITY OF ELECTRICAL ELEMENTS - An apparatus for effecting inductive coupling among a plurality of electrical elements includes: (a) an electrically non-conductive core member oriented about an axis; (b) at least one first electrical element of the plurality of electrical elements substantially nestingly surrounding the core member oriented about the axis; each respective first electrical element being in spaced relation vis-à-vis other first electrical elements in an installed orientation; and (c) at least one second electrical element of the plurality of electrical elements disposed in surrounding relation with respect to the core member about the axis sufficiently proximal with at least one selected said first electrical element in the installed orientation to establish the inductive coupling.

2011-02-03

20110025447

HIGH VOLTAGE DRY-TYPE REACTOR FOR A VOLTAGE SOURCE CONVERTER - A high voltage dry-type reactor is series-connected via a first terminal to an AC supply voltage and via a second terminal to the AC phase terminal of a high voltage converter and includes a cylindrical coil of insulated wire. In order to protect the reactor from a damaging DC field, the reactor further includes a metallic or resistive electrostatic shield which is connected to a same DC potential as the converter.

2011-02-03

20110025448

Current Limiting Fuse - A mounting assembly couples a current limiting fuse to an element that defines a longitudinal axis. The mounting assembly includes a mounting member on the element; a first attachment member coupled to the mounting member in a fixed position relative to the mounting member; and a second attachment member coupleable to the current limiting fuse. The first and second attachment members are configured to be attached to one another in a plurality of discreet positions about an axis that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis.

2011-02-03

20110025449

Bi-metal snap action disc - In a bi-metal snap-action disc with an arched main element whose arch projecting in one direction snaps over to an opposite direction when a certain temperature is reached, the main element is provided with a heating element formed by an electrically conductive strand disposed directly on the main element.

2011-02-03

20110025450

VARISTOR HAVING CERAMIC CASE - A varistor for protecting a power circuit from explosion and flaming is disclosed. The varistor includes a surge absorber sintered at a first predetermined temperature and having a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of leads connected to the electrodes respectively, a coating enrobing the surge absorber, and the ceramic case sintered at a second predetermined temperature and housing the surge absorber and the coating. The second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature. The ceramic case has a plurality of openings for the leads to extend outside of the ceramic case. The ceramic case is made from Al

2011-02-03

20110025451

Magnetically-Activated Membrane Potentiometer - Magnetically-activated contactless potentiometers with a resistive trace and a conductive trace contained within a channel formed of non-conductive material are described. A gap between the resistive trace and the conductive trace is provided, and the conductive trace is either magnetic/ferromagnetic or is provided with a magnetic/ferromagnetic material. In use, a magnetic force is applied to the potentiometer opposite the resistive trace from the conductive trace, thus attracting the conductive trace to physically and electrically connect with the resistive trace at the location of the magnetic force. This magnetically-induced contact between the conductive trace and the resistive trace produces a resistive feedback from the point of contact and allows for changing the resistance of the potentiometer by laterally moving the magnetic force along the length of the potentiometer. The force on the conductive trace may be modified by changing the characteristics of the external magnetic force and/or the conductive trace.

2011-02-03

20110025452

METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR RECYCLING TRIMMED DEVICES - A trimmable component network of switched parallel paths is described, each path contains a component, typically a resistor, with a portion of the component bypassed by fuses. The bypassed portion represents the same percentage of the component's value for each of the trimmable components in the parallel paths. A component is measured against a specification and if the specification is not met a prescribed number of fuses are cut to bring the component within its specification. A TRIM CODE may be used to identify the specific fuses to be cut, and thus the specific fuses that are to remain intact. The same TRIM CODE is applied to the components in the parallel paths.

2011-02-03

20110025453

Signal Strength Detection - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a source or sources of noise that interferes or potentially interfere with communications between a remote and a receiver. The noise source may be detected through the operation of a noise detector which is integrated as a component of a remote. The remote may be configured to operate in one of two modes. In a first mode, the remote may convey commands inputted by a user from the remote to the receiver. In a second mode the receiver may operate as a noise detector device.

2011-02-03

20110025454

EMERGENCY MACHINE STOPPING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A hybrid emergency stop system, the system includes: (a) a mechanically operated circuit, for stopping an operation of a machine when triggered by a user; and (b) a scream activated circuit, for stopping the operation of the machine when detecting a machine operator scream; wherein the mechanically operated circuit and the scream activated circuit are enclosed in a single compartment and are operable independently from each other.

2011-02-03

20110025455

ADAPTIVE MIDI WIND CONTROLLER DEVICE - Provided is a system controller device intended for use by persons having limited or no use of their hands. The device includes a first air sensor configured to provide a first electromagnetic signal representative of an air pressure or an air-flow, or a combination thereof, a second orientation sensor configured to provide a second electromagnetic signal representative of a relative orientation or a change of orientation, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor, a third linear position sensor configured to provide a third electromagnetic signal representative of a relative position or change of position, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor along a linear carriage, and a signal processor configured to combine said first, said second and said third electromagnetic signals to provide an event message.

2011-02-03

20110025456

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENROLLMENT OF A REMOTELY CONTROLLED DEVICE IN A TRAINABLE TRANSMITTER - A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.

2011-02-03

20110025457

Triggering Device - A system and methods are provided for triggering an operating device. In one embodiment, a triggering device includes a receiving unit configured to receive one or more wireless control signals. The receiving unit may include a switch and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the switch for activation of an operating device coupled to a signaling line based, at least in part, on the one or more wireless control signals. According to another embodiment, the triggering device may include a connector configured to electrically couple the receiving unit to the signaling line, the connector having one or more contacts and a housing configured to clasp the signaling line and couple the one or more contacts to the signaling line. Additionally, the signaling line may relate to existing wiring of the operating device.

2011-02-03

20110025458

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTHENTICATING RFID TAGS - In an RFID system, a method and apparatus for linking an RFID tag to an associated object. The system includes a relatively simple tag, a reader, a linker, and a store. The reader interrogates the tag for an ID and selectively provides the ID to the linker. The linker, in turn, uses the ID to provide back to the reader an associated Uniform Resource Identifier (“URI”). The reader then forwards the URI to the store. In response, the store returns to the reader the object associated with the ID via the URI. The disclosed method and apparatus provide more efficient and secure tag authentication.

2011-02-03

20110025459

Electronic Access Control Device and Management System - A mobile electronic control device, such as an electronic key, is used to access or otherwise control the operations of a field device, such as an appliance, power tool, shipping container, etc. In a control event in which the mobile control device interacts with the field device via wired or wireless communications, the control device obtains the current location and the field device ID. The communications between the mobile control device and the field device may be secured with encryption. The location information is used by the mobile control device to determine whether the field device should be accessed or enabled. Alternatively, the location information may be stored separately in a location sensing device, and the control event data recorded by the key and the location information recorded by the location sensing device are later combined when they are downloaded into a management system for auditing. Moreover, an electronic access control device is disclosed comprising two microprocessors.

2011-02-03

20110025460

VEHICLE AND FOB COMMUNICATION ARRANGEMENT - An example base station assembly includes a transmitter configured to communicate a challenge signal and at least one timing signal to a plurality of fobs. The base station initiates a vehicle operation in response to at least one return signal. The return signal is communicated to the base station from at least one of the fobs in response to the timing signal.

2011-02-03

20110025461

ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL SYSTEM - An electronic shelf label system includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels, plurality of transmitters, and a transmission controller. The transmission controller divides the transmitters into a plurality of communication groups so that each of the communication groups has a collective communication area including at least one of the transmitters, and to control the transmitters in units of the communication groups. The transmission controller also controls all of the transmitters included in one of the communication group, which is determined based on input of position specification information for specifying a position of a worker who is utilizing a portable information processing device, to cause product information of a target product to be transmitted to a target electronic shelf label by one of the transmitters that belongs to the communication group.

2011-02-03

20110025462

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAVING POWER IN A DISTRIBUTED RFID SYSTEM - Systems and methods for saving power in a distributed RFID system are provided. One RFID reader includes a RFID radio, a data communication radio, and a controller. The controller is configured to compare a current list of RFID tags responding to a current interrogation signal and a previous list of RFID tags responding to a previous interrogation signal to determine if there has been a change in RFID tags responding to the interrogation signals. The controller is also configured to command the data communication radio to transmit a signal to an external computing device if there has been the change in RFID tags, the signal indicative of the change, or not transmit the signal if there has not been a change. An RFID system includes a central computing device, multiple RFID tags, and multiple RFID readers similar to the above RFID reader.

2011-02-03

20110025463

Parallel Antennas for Contactless Device - An electronic information device includes an integrated circuit embedded within the device. The electronic information device further includes a first antenna that is embedded within the device and is connected to the integrated circuit. The electronic information device further includes a second antenna that is embedded within the device and is connected to the integrated circuit. The first antenna is oriented within a first plane and the second antenna is oriented within a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane.

2011-02-03

20110025464

Antenna Diversity For Wireless Tracking System And Method - The present invention provides a solution to determine a real-time location of an object in an indoor facility utilizing the spatial and angular antenna diversity on a sensor. Specifically, the spatial diversity is achieved by placing a second antenna a predetermined distance (which is greater than one-half of the wavelength) away from the first antenna. The angular diversity is obtained by placing the second antenna at ninety degrees (perpendicular) angle of the first antenna.

RECORDS COMPONENTS READER - A records component reader comprising a member comprising a front-facing surface and a rear-facing surface, a transceiver disposed on the front-facing surface, for projecting a reading field enabling an interrogation to be sent to the records component and a response to be received from the records component, the transceiver being arranged in use to adaptably curve about a surface of an item including a records component, and shielding means for confining the sending of the interrogation and the receipt of the response within the reading field.

2011-02-03

20110025468

TAGGED CABLE - A method of forming a cable having an elongate core, including positioning a records component proximate to the elongate core, and covering the records component with a cable covering which directly or indirectly urges the records component against the elongate core.

AUTOMATIC MODE DETECTION IN A DUAL MODE RFID TAG - When multiple readers for RF transponders have to be placed in close proximity, such as in adjacent lanes of a highway toll barrier, they can be set to operate at different frequencies. When signals from two adjacent ones of the readers interfere, the resulting signal includes interference terms whose frequencies equal the sum of the reader frequencies and the difference between the reader frequencies. To remove such interference terms while passing the desired terms, a tag includes a low-pass or other frequency-selective filter.

2011-02-03

20110025471

RFID transponder, in particular for assembly on metal and manufacturing method therefor - The invention relates to an RFID transponder comprising: an antenna, a chip comprising at least one transmission and reception circuit as well as a memory, a dielectric carrier element which is covered on a first surface at least sectionally with a structured first metallization and which is covered on a second surface disposed opposite the first surface at least sectionally with a second metallization, wherein the first and second metallizations are mutually electrically conductively connected, thereby forming the antenna, wherein the first metallization is structured such that it forms two electric terminals of the antenna arranged on the first surface of the dielectric carrier element, and wherein the chip can be or is electrically contacted via these two terminals and is positionable or arranged on the first surface and/or is positionable or arranged at least sectionally integrated into this surface, and an adaptation network at least partly formed by the structuring of the first metallization and adapting the input impedance of the antenna in a conjugate complex manner to the impedance of the chip.

2011-02-03

20110025472

CONNECTION PORT SYSTEM - A system comprises a RFID chip, a connection port coupled to an external apparatus, and an interface unit configured to electrically couple the connection port to the RFID chip.

2011-02-03

20110025473

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LINKING AN RFID TAG TO AN OBJECT - In an RFID system, a method and apparatus for linking an RFID tag to an associated object. The system includes a relatively simple tag, a reader, a linker, and a store. The reader interrogates the tag for an ID and selectively provides the ID to the linker. The linker, in turn, uses the ID to provide back to the reader an associated Uniform Resource Identifier (“URI”). The reader then forwards the URI to the store. In response, the store returns to the reader the object associated with the ID via the URI. The disclosed method and apparatus provide more efficient and secure tag authentication.

2011-02-03

20110025474

RFID NETWORK AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE RFID NETWORK - An RFID network, comprising a plurality of RFID read/write devices, which are connected to a central controller via a communication network, has problems as the network size increases. The mutual interference potential on the air interfaces increases, high demands are placed on the communication network with respect to availability, and the efficiency of the controller per RFID write/read device decreases. If part of the resources and the intelligence of the controller are distributed to, or forwarded to, an RFID system unit comprising the RFID read/write device, some of the load is removed from the controller. The RFID system units are notified of the operating sequences to be performed via a mission and said sequences are performed largely synchronously so that the interference potential decreases. Due to the distributed intelligence, the demand with respect to the availability of the communication network likewise decreases and the central controller can provide more resources for processing applications. The RFID network is therefore easier scalable in size and more reliable in operation.

2011-02-03

20110025475

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PLAYING SIGNALS AT TWO APPLIANCES - A method for receiving messages in an appliance such as a clock radio modified to retrieve messages from a remote computer, converting the retrieved messages into corresponding audio messages, generating a wake up signal to the user at a selected time in the radio appliance, starting the delivery of the audio messages from a speaker in the radio appliance in response to the generated wake up signal, and receiving audible commands in the radio from the user to control delivery of the messages. In a first embodiment, these method steps are performed in the radio appliance and, in a second embodiment, a remote computer performs all of the messages except delivery of the audio messages and receiving audible commands which occur at the appliance. Where two or more appliances are used, audio commands can cause the delivery of messages to stop in one appliance and resume in another appliance.

2011-02-03

20110025476

METHOD OF ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION WITH WIRELESS CONTROL DEVICES - The method of the present invention allows a first wireless control device that is operable to communicate on a predetermined one of a plurality of channels to establish communication with a second wireless control device that may be communicating on any of the plurality of channels. A beacon message is first transmitted repeatedly by the wireless control device on the predetermined channel. The second wireless control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels. When the second control device receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel, the second control device begins communicating on the predetermined channel. The second wireless device may begin listening for the beacon message in response to powering up.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING REMINDER NOTIFICATIONS - A method of controlling reminders for an electronic calendar event record includes: generating a reminder notification at a first electronic device, the reminder notification associated with the calendar event record, providing an option at the first electronic device for taking a first action at the first electronic device and taking a second action at a second electronic device, the first action differing from the second action, generating an update command at the first electronic device for taking the second action at the second electronic device in response to receipt of selection of the option at the first electronic device, and sending the update command from the first electronic device for the second electronic device.

2011-02-03

20110025479

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING VIBRATION PATTERN - An apparatus for controlling a vibration includes a vibration transfer unit; at least one pair of oscillators disposed spaced apart from each other in the vibration transfer unit, and configured to generate a vibration in the vibration transfer unit; at least one driver configured to selectively drive the at least one pair of oscillators; and a controller configured to control the at least one driver and thereby move a center of the vibration within the vibration transfer unit so as to create a moving vibration sensation.

2011-02-03

20110025480

MOBILE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VIBRATION THEREOF - A mobile device for controlling a vibration includes an input unit configured to receive an input from a user or an external device; an output unit configured to generate an output; a vibration pattern generation unit configured to generate a vibration, and to move a center of the vibration within the mobile device according to the input from the input unit or the output from the output unit; and a control unit configured to control the vibration pattern generation unit so as to create a moving vibration sensation from a movement of the center of the vibration.

2011-02-03

20110025481

System and related method for visually indicating a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car - A system on a railroad hopper car for providing an indication, observable by a person located either proximate to or remote from the hopper car, of a condition of a lock arranged in operable combination with a mechanism on the hopper car for controlling discharge of material from the hopper car. The system includes electric circuitry and a sensor for providing a signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the locked condition and for producing another signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the unlocked condition. An illuminable indicator, mountable on a side of the railroad hopper car, is responsive to signals from the circuitry for displaying the condition of the discharge mechanism locks. A method for visually displaying a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car as through use of illumination is also disclosed.

DRIVING SUPPORT SYSTEM, DRIVING SUPPORT APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM - A driving support system includes an image pickup apparatus captures an image of a periphery of a vehicle in which the image pickup apparatus is provided, a measurement apparatus measures a distance from the vehicle to an obstacle around the vehicle, a driving support apparatus, which includes a determination unit determines a driving danger level of a driver of the vehicle based on the distance, an image enlargement unit changes a size of a simulated image of the vehicle stored in advance based on a result of determination, and an image generation unit combines the image of the periphery of the vehicle and the simulated image of the vehicle changed by the image enlargement unit, and a display apparatus displays the image combined by the image generation unit.

2011-02-03

20110025484

FORWARD WARNING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - A new forward warning system includes one or more light sources (such as lasers) mounted on a vehicle and coupled to one or more of the vehicle's instruments, which control its motion. The vehicle's instrumentation is used to estimate the required stopping distance of the vehicle on which the light source is mounted. When the light source is moved quickly, it “draws” an image on the road surface. The image created on the road surface by the light is based on the vehicle's instrumentation and indicates to other motorists where a danger zone exists in front of the vehicle, just as brake lights warn motorists behind the vehicle that it is slowing or stopped.

2011-02-03

20110025485

Heat Dissipation System for Headlight - A heat dissipation system for a headlight and a headlight cooling method thereof, may include the headlight, a fan motor rotating a cooling fan to circulate air around the headlight while the headlight is operating, a driver integrated circuit monitoring an operation of the fan motor while the headlight is operating, wherein the driver integrated circuit generates a breakdown signal if the fan motor stops while the headlight is operating, a warning light device mounted on an instrument cluster of a vehicle, wherein the warning light device notifies a driver of whether the fan motor is broken down or not, and an electronic control unit operating the warning light device by receiving the breakdown signal from the driver integrated circuit.

2011-02-03

20110025486

Driver Alarm for Preventing Children from being Left in Car - A driver alarm for preventing children from being left in a car comprises a power device, a voltage measuring device, an inputting device, a prompting device and a controlling device. The power apparatus has a plug, which can be inserted into a cigarette-lighter socket in the car to become a power source for the driver alarm. The voltage measuring device is used to measure voltage of the cigarette-lighter in the car, the voltage rises when the car is started up and the voltage declines when the engine is turned off. The voltage measuring device reports to the controlling device about voltage rising or voltage declining. The inputting device is designed for a driver to report to the controlling device about whether children are in the cars or not. The promoting device is used to warn driver that there are children inside of the car when the car are started up or when the engines are turned off. Based on information provided by the voltage measuring device and the inputting device, the controlling device follows designed program to control the prompting device to warn the drivers that there are children inside of the cars when starting up car and when turning off engines.

2011-02-03

20110025487

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR - A tire pressure sensor is provided having a housing, a pressure transducer within the housing electronically coupled to a transmitter, a battery within the housing connected to deliver electrical power to the pressure transducer and to the transmitter, and a pressurized compartment within the housing bounded at least partially by a flexible membrane. A first conduit extends from the pressure transducer to the compartment. An inlet port extends through the housing to allow pressurized air within the tire to contact the membrane. In particular embodiments, the pressure transducer, transmitter and battery are rubber coated and encapsulated with epoxy.

2011-02-03

20110025488

CONTROL KNOB ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD - A combination shifter and engine start apparatus for a vehicle includes a control knob rotatable to a plurality of positions to instruction operation of an associated transmission of the vehicle and actuatable for at least one of starting and stopping of an associated engine of the vehicle. A display is disposed on the control knob for alternately displaying first indicia on the control knob relating to at least one of starting and stopping of the associated engine and displaying second indicia on the control knob relating to a selected one of the plurality of positions. A controller is operatively connected to the control knob and to the display. The controller has a first mode wherein the controller commands the display to display the first indicia and a second mode wherein the controller commands the display to display the second indicia.

2011-02-03

20110025489

Vehicle-Surrounding Image Display Apparatus And Vehicle-Surrounding Image Display Method - A vehicle-surrounding image display apparatus and a vehicle-surrounding image display method permits a user to intuitively recognize in which direction a vehicle side image is displayed along with a vehicle top image. When a vehicle side image, such as a forward side view image, and a rearward mirror view image is displayed along with a top view image, distinction images indicative of a correspondence relation between the vehicle side image and the direction in which the vehicle side image is shot in the top view image, are superimposed on both the vehicle side image and the top view image, which enables a user to intuitively recognize in which direction the vehicle side image displayed along with the top view image is shot by looking at both the vehicle side image and the top view image showing the distinction images.

2011-02-03

20110025490

ALARM DEVICE - An alarm device includes: a wireless circuit section which wirelessly exchanges event signals with an other alarm device; an alert section which outputs an alarm; an operation section which accepts predetermined operations; a sensor section which issues an abnormal condition detection signal when an abnormal condition occurred is detected within a monitoring area; an abnormal condition monitoring section which, upon receiving the abnormal condition detection signal from the sensor section, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage source from the alert section, and transmits an event signal indicating an abnormal condition to the other alarm devices, and conversely, upon receiving an event signal indicating an abnormal condition from the other alarm device, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage destination from the alert section; a communication test transmission processing section which, at a predetermined timing, transmits an event signal indicating a communication test to the other alarm device and; a communication test reception processing section which, upon receiving an event signal indicating a communication test from the other alarm device, announces the reception status of this event signal.

2011-02-03

20110025491

FIREARM AND SYSTEM FOR NOTIFYING FIREARM DISCHARGE - A firearm equipped with a capability of wireless communication reports a discharge of the firearm to a reporting center terminal via a wireless communication link. The firearm includes a firearm housing including a trigger assembly. A sensor is coupled to the firearm housing for sensing the discharge of the firearm. The housing, e.g., portion of a pistol grip, also encases a wireless communication unit for transmitting a message indicating occurence of the firearm discharge to the terminal via wireless communication network. A GPS receiver installed in the firearm receives GPS signals from GPS satellites to enable calculation of the location of the firearm, either at the firearm or by a Position Determining Equipment (PDE), to identify the location of the firearm to the reporting center terminal. Upon detection of the discharge of the firearm, the firearm initiates activities of the GPS receiver and the wireless communication unit.

2011-02-03

20110025492

Personal Object Proximity Alerting Device - Utilizing an electronic means to assist in a sensory and situational awareness deficit setting is the prime function of the invention. With the advent of low voltage, miniature and very economical proximity sensing devices, opportunities to employ those devices to substitute or assist the human senses have resulted in the invention. Requiring only the sense of touch, a person will be alerted of the presence of inanimate and warm bodied objects while simultaneously tracking and conveying their distance. By applying the invention in settings experiencing various forms of visual impairment, the user will more safely traverse through obscure territories without collision into nearby objects. Applying various methods of proximity and motion detection will increase the reliability of the apparatus, with enhanced configurations able to distinguish between types of detected objects as well as increase precision in a range of environments. Low cost components, having minimal numbers of components per unit, and ease of assembly increases accessibility to and applications for the invention to include casual, sport, disability, personal security, military, and scientific. The invention is manufactured in miniature form, and as an assembly of multiple units it will create a pattern of tactile alerts representing the direction of different objects within the detection range. Transforming a visual event into a tactile response is how the invention has created a method of proximity detection and alerts which remedy the experience of reduced awareness to the presence of objects, persons, or animals.

2011-02-03

20110025493

MOBILE WIRELESS CUSTOMIZABLE HEALTH AND CONDITION MONITOR - A method and system for monitoring. The monitoring system may include at least one wearable monitor, which may include an accelerometer, coupled to a user; at least one server communicatively coupled using a network to the at least one wearable monitor, the accelerometer facilitating detection of a fall by the user and transmitting notification of said fall to said at least one server, and the server allowing verification of the fall and adjustment of fall detection parameters either automatically or through a user interface.

2011-02-03

20110025494

Relative Location Determination of Mobile Sensor Nodes - Automated sensor localization systems and methods are described. An exemplary application for the sensor localization system is in a “Sense Through the Wall” (STTW) radar system, involving a plurality of distributed sensors or sensor nodes.

2011-02-03

20110025495

TELEMATICS SYSTEM WITH LOCAL NETWORK - A telematics system includes a central system, a telematics server unit, and a telematics local unit. The central system receives and processes information relating to a plurality of pieces of equipment located remotely from the central system, and provides services relating to the information to an end user. The telematics server unit includes a telecommunications device for wirelessly communicating with the central system. The telematics local unit installs at a piece of equipment and includes an input for receiving a condition of the piece of equipment. The telematics local unit further includes a local communications device for wirelessly communicating with the telematics server unit. The telematics server unit provides and facilitates communication between the telematics local unit and the central system.

2011-02-03

20110025496

CONTEXTUAL BASED DETERMINATION OF ACCURACY OF POSITION FIXES - Techniques for contextual based determination of accuracy of position fixes, and modification of the position fixes in accordance with the accuracy are disclosed. In one aspect, a position fix for an asset is received. The first position fix corresponds to a location of an event during shipment of the asset. If it is determined that the position fix is inaccurate, the position fix is modified in accordance with a type of the event.

2011-02-03

20110025497

OCCUPANCY SENSORS PROGRAMMED TO DETERMINE LOSS OF LAMP LIFE AS LAMP IS USED - Programmable occupancy sensors that control the on/off operation of a fluorescent lamp automatically determine loss of lamp life as the lamp is used. The programmable occupancy sensors can provide lamp life status and can automatically alert a user when a lamp is nearing its end of life and should be replaced. The occupancy sensors are also programmable to automatically maximize lamp life and energy savings by selecting an optimal time delay from among a number of selectable time delays at which to operate the sensor. The selection is based on an occupancy pattern sensed by the sensor over a given period of time. The optimal time delay, which prevents the lamp from turning off immediately after last sensing occupancy, extends lamp life by limiting the number of lamp off/on transitions, which shortens lamp life, in view of overall energy usage and lamp usage.

2011-02-03

20110025498

INTERFERENCE DETECTOR RESULTING IN THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT - A method and system are provided for adjusting a threshold value of an alarm for a metal detecting system, based on a detected interference with other systems that operate at adjacent frequencies. The method and system include receiving a plurality of sample values and calculating a discrepancy value based on a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the plurality of sample values, wherein the discrepancy value corresponds to detected interference. The discrepancy value is compared to a predefined interference threshold value and an activation signal is generated. A fast threshold adjustor receives the activation signal when the discrepancy value is greater than or equal to the predefined interference threshold value and a slow threshold adjustor receives the activation signal when the discrepancy value is less than the predefined interference threshold value. The activation signal triggers an output from the fast threshold adjustor or the slow threshold adjustor that is applied to adjust the threshold value.

2011-02-03

20110025499

SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR RELIABLY DETECTING AUDIBLE ALARMS - A signal processing system and associated methods are disclosed for reliably detecting audible alert signals, such as Temporal-3 (or Code-3) and Temporal-4 (or Code-4) alert signals generated by commercially available smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. The system and methods are capable of detecting audible alert signals of different intensities in the presence of dynamic background environment (e.g., television programming, music, noise, and the like). The system and methods are capable of detecting audible alert signals generated by far away smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. The signal processing system and methods may, in some embodiments, be incorporated into a bedside or other unit that generates a supplemental alert signal capable of alerting individuals who might not otherwise respond to the alarm condition, such as individuals who are asleep, children, hearing impaired, or intoxicated.

WIRELESS TRANSCEIVER - A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

2011-02-03

20110025502

Computer Room Security - This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security that reduces energy consumption. The fastener system comprises a fastener for fastening a first element to a second element and a sensor of any suitable form and means for activating a third element in response to a signal generated from said sensor. The sensor sends a signal that prompts the third element to act in response to the status received from the fastener. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.

2011-02-03

20110025503

Item tracking in storage drawers - An item monitoring system for tracking and reporting absence of items such as tools from assigned storage locations. Non-contact sensors are used to capture a mosaic of sensed areas that are processed and compared to previous sensed areas identifying change in the presence or absence of items. When a change is detected the item inventory for the storage location is changed to reflect latest status of present or absent. Scaled to a plurality of storage drawers the item monitoring system provides automatic item inventory status for large storage cabinets which may be linked to a central processing system or queried by hand held terminal.

2011-02-03

20110025504

USB Hosted Sensor Module - A USB hosted sensor module, comprising: a substrate; a sensor mounted on the substrate; and a USB connector extending from the substrate, the USB connector capable of electrically coupling to a USB port of a host device, the USB connector capable of drawing power from the USB port of the host device to provide electrical power to the USB hosted sensor module; and a processing device mounted on the substrate, the processor capable of supporting a first communication channel and a second communication channel, wherein the first communication channel is between the USB hosted sensor module and an external communication device, wherein the second communication channel is between the USB hosted sensor module and the host device.

REMOTE COMMUNICATION DEVICES, RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICES, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION METHODS, RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICE COMMUNICATION METHODS, AND METHODS OF FORMING A REMOTE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Remote communication devices, radio frequency identification devices, wireless communication systems, wireless communication methods, radio frequency identification device communication methods, and methods of forming a remote intelligent communication device are provided. According to one aspect, a remote intelligent communication device includes communication circuitry configured to at least one of receive communication signals and generate communication signals; and an antenna coupled with the communication circuitry and substantially tuned to a plurality of frequencies, the antenna being configured to communicate wireless signals corresponding to the communication signals including at least one of receiving wireless signals and outputting wireless signals. Another aspect includes a wireless communication method including providing a remote intelligent communication device having an antenna substantially tuned to a plurality of frequencies; and communicating wireless signals using the antenna including at least one of receiving wireless signals at one of the frequencies and outputting wireless signals at one of the frequencies.

2011-02-03

20110025507

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A method of manufacturing an electronic device includes the steps of: forming a conductive pattern on a film made of a resin material and thereby forming a base body on which a circuit chip is mounted; forming a reinforcing layer that suppresses expansion and contraction of the film in either one of a mounting area on the film which area the circuit chip is mounted on and a rear area at the back of the mounting area; applying a thermosetting adhesive; mounting the circuit chip; pinching the base body mounted with the circuit chip by a heating device that heats the thermosetting adhesive and has a pressing section and a supporting section; and fixing the circuit chip to the conductive pattern by hardening the thermosetting adhesive through heating by the heating device.

Automated Hand Cleaning Reminder System for an Entranceway - The present invention relates to an improved an automated hand cleaning reminder system having a disinfectant dispenser mounted proximate to an entranceway. When approaching the entranceway the visitor must first utilize a disinfectant dispenser to gain unalarmed entry or exit through the entranceway. When the disinfectant dispenser is utilized the disinfectant dispenser transmits a signal to a processor which then deactivates temporarily a motion/presence detector scanning an area immediately adjacent or close to the entranceway, and thus permits entry or exit for the visitor. At the same time, processor activates a light emitter to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is permitted, and, simultaneously also activates the access allowed audio tone to be played through a message conveying apparatus. If the dispenser has not been utilized, the proximity detector will remain armed and the processor then issues an access denied audio tone to be played through the message conveying apparatus, and, simultaneously also activates a flashing light emitter to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is not permitted.

2011-02-03

20110025510

SENSORS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OR CHANGES - Sensors and systems for detecting predetermined environmental conditions or changes may include a device capable of storing, representing, or providing information, and a shield. The shield may be disposed proximate the device. The shield may have a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition the shield is configured to prevent access to information stored in or on, represented by or provided by the device. In the second condition the shield is configured to permit access to information stored in or on, represented by or provided by the device. The shield may be configured to transition from the first condition to the second condition when the shield is exposed to the predetermined environmental condition.

2011-02-03

20110025511

LEAK SENSOR MONITOR - A sensor leak monitor device that consists of well known elements arranged in a novel manner such that it can detect an involuntary consumption and alert a person when such is occurring. A pressure gage coupled with a timing device measures in a constant manner the internal pressure of a pipe and establishes a reference pressure. Upon the opening of any outlet of the network, the measured pressure will fall below this reference pressure value. If the measured pressure does not return to the reference pressure value within a stipulated time, it would be safe to assume that involuntary consumption is happening. Temperature is monitored and reported whenever it reaches a very low or freezing level. The device provides for audio and visual alerts to bring about the correction of the involuntary situation.